Council refuse pub late licences on Cup final day

EDINBURGH Council has taken the decision to refuse all applications for extended opening hours to licensed premises on Scottish Cup Final day .

The decision was taken following concerns raised by both Lothian and Borders Police and Strathclyde Police.

A spokesperson for the council’s Licensing Board said: “Scottish Cup Final day will be a momentous occasion for the city and it is our aim to ensure that everyone enjoys this historic day.

Late licences for the city pubs will be refused Photo:Strom Carlson

“The decision was taken to refuse all applications for extended opening hours based on strong objections from the police.

“An expected 50,000 fans will be travelling through to Glasgow for the match with many more staying in Edinburgh. As a Licensing Board the safety of all these people is our main concern and we will continue to work with our partners to ensure the day is enjoyed by all.”

Chief Superintendent Gill Imery, Divisional Commander for the City of Edinburgh said: “Lothian and Borders Police and their partner agencies are committed to ensuring that the Scottish Cup Final between Heart of Midlothian FC and Hibernian FC is able to be enjoyed by all of those who wish to see it.

“Robust planning for the policing operation is already underway and both Lothian and Borders Police and Strathclyde Police provided advice and guidance to the Licensing Board during their consideration of licence extension applications from a number of premises across the capital.

“The safety of all fans travelling to the match and those who chose to watch within a licensed establishment remains at the heart of all planning and we will continue to work alongside our various partners to ensure the day passes without incident.”

Some premises have already been notified of the refusal to their application and letters will be received by all those who applied later this week.